We have bounced into 2019 and now into February; the excesses of Christmas has faded to distant memories and we are all back into work-mode once again, ready to tackle the business challenges 2019 may bring. The early part of a new year brings exciting new opportunities as well as unique challenges — especially for online business owners and SEO professionals.

The world of SEO and online marketing is a dynamic one. Things happen at a rapid pace. That’s why SEO professionals have to keep an eye out on important SEO trends every year. Those who don’t may end up lagging behind, which can take months and even years to catch up with competitors.

In this blog post, we share 5 important SEO trends that may dominate the rest of 2019. It’d be a good idea to revisit your SEO strategy frequently throughout the year and tweak it in accordance with these trends.

1. User intent search

When we talk about search engine optimisation, many people instantly think about keywords. While keywords are extremely important, SEO is much more than just stuffing your web page with a bunch of high-volume keyword phrases.

As search engines are getting smarter and better, they are now focusing more on the ‘user intent’ behind searches instead of the specific keywords they use. This is why ‘user intent search’ has become such a big thing in the last couple of years.

Put simply, when someone searches for a particular keyword phrase, the search engine wants to give the searcher the best possible result (web page) that has the answer to the searcher’s problems. The important to note here is that the web page may not even have the keyword that the user searched for.

Here is an example:

The above image shows the Search Engine Results Page (or ‘SERP’ for short) for the keyword phrase “plan trip with infant.” The first result in the SERP does not have even the word “infant” in it.

Google understands that the web page has the answer the user is looking for, so it puts it on the top. The page may not have the exact keyword the user is searching for, but it has the solution to her problems.

In the next few years, this trend is only going to get stronger. Therefore, instead of stuffing keywords in a web page, focus on user intent.

Your SEO strategy needs to accommodate this rising trend. Local businesses are likely to get affected by voice search the most.

Make sure that you are using long-tail keywords that are more conversational in nature to accommodate voice search traffic. Also, make your website mobile-friendly, so users — after voice search — can easily find and navigate it on any device.

In 2019, as online competition becomes tougher, structured data markup will become more prominent.

Marcus Tandler, co-founder and MD of Ryte, says, “With AI becoming increasingly important for Google, structured data is becoming more important as well,” Tandler said. “If Google wants to move from a mobile-first to an AI-first world, structured data is key. No matter how good your AI is, if it takes too long to ‘crawl’ the required information, it will never be great. AI requires a fast processing of contents and their relations to each other.”

4. Create even better content

There is no substitute for high-quality content. In 2019, you will have to create even better and more high-quality content to compete in the SERPs successfully.

Content marketers are getting smarter. There is a lot of free info available on the web on creating high-quality content, and many content marketers are following that advice. As a result, we are seeing a higher level of competition on the web and in the SERPs.

Here is a simple advice for you:

Identify the top 3-5 web pages that you want to compete with. Spot weaknesses in each web page and make sure that your web page doesn’t have any of those weaknesses. In addition, ensure that your web page offers more information than any of those 3-5 top web pages.

Make sure the content you intend to write is actually searched – sounds obvious, but this often gets overlooked – research is key.

5. Take care of your brand reputation

Most content marketers believe that brand reputation will soon become a more important factor than what it is right now.

Online reviews are already playing an important role — especially in Google’s Knowledge Graph in the SERPs.

By taking care of your overall brand reputation, you give your website a better chance to stay on top of the SERPs. Moreover, apart from brand reputation, also take care of your website. It includes monitoring reviews, backlinks, spammy SEO techniques, website loading speed, and more.

The idea is to ensure that your website visitors have the best user experience.

Starting a new business?

Google reviews

So happy to write a review for such a lovely and helpful team. They built our website and social media campaigns. I've had other sites built before but never so easily and stress free as working with Vaccoda. Would highly recommend.read more

Dieter Vanagtmael

21:04 02 Feb 19

I couldn't have used a better company to set up my website. They understood what I wanted to achieve at the first meeting. And I receive constantly best comments about the website. Questions and concerns are dealt with immediately.read more

Lee Townsend

10:13 22 Jan 19

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Rob and the team at Vaccoda on a number of website projects. They cut through the jargon and delight their clients with their beautiful website designs and offer an array of online marketing services to boost your ranking in the search engines. Their level of customer service is outstanding and communications are always fast and efficient. If you are looking for a professional website design team who you can 100% rely on, give the team at Vaccoda a call. Highly recommended!read more

Kale Woodley

13:05 19 Jan 19

I hadn’t run a business before so I was nervous about what I may come up against further down the line. I had a fair idea of what was what as far as offering my services goes, but I didn’t really know where to start with web and what order things should be done and when, so I needed a company with experience that I could work with that not only provide me with a website, marketing, emails and anything else technical that I might need in future but also offer startup business advice and knowledge to help guide me because I definitely needed it!! I’m glad I chose Vaccoda because they filled me with the confidence I lacked and have given me bundles of advice since I first started my business and have helped guide and advise me whenever I have asked for help. Nothing is too much trouble. These guys are not only great at web design and marketing but the business knowledge they have and advice they offer is something else. They are genuine kind people that care about what they do and their customers - very rare to find this in companies nowadays! I totally recommend Matt, Becky, Rob and Ben and and the rest of the team at Vaccoda, they have been brilliant and helped to get me where I am today. I look forward to continuing to build my business with them.read more

Aaron Macdonald

14:29 09 Jan 19

We’ve been working with Vaccoda for many years, referring customers through to them for digital media and marketing services and we’re very happy with the service that Matt, Rob and their team provide. Not only are we happy with the service provided, our customers that we have passed through to Vaccoda are happy with the service also. Therefore, we highly recommend Vaccoda - they are in a totally different league and nobody else comes close.read more

Veronica Karlsson-Doresamy

14:02 17 Dec 18

Vaccoda is a company with a ‘can do’ attitude and they give excellent personal service, where you feel as a client that you matter to them. Rob has been extremely helpful and positive throughout the whole developing process. The finished web site that they have produced for me, fits the brief I gave them perfectly. I would highly recommend them!read more

Suzanne Hillier

17:28 08 Nov 18

Using Vaccoda for a Rugby Festival Programme made my job very easy! They produced high quality programmes at relatively short notice and at a very reasonable price! Would not hesitate to contact Rob with any printing further needs!read more

Becky Cattermole

15:29 06 Nov 18

Nothing is too much trouble for Vaccoda. They're been such a huge
help to me, and have always explained things in a clear and concise
way. The work they produce is top notch, and attention to detail is
second to none. Thanks Vaccoda!read more

Amanda Gandhi

15:12 06 Nov 18

From start to finish Rob and the team at Vaccoda were just amazing. Helpful, understanding, professional, friendly and they listened to what we wanted to achieve and carried that out perfectly with our website.
I would highly recommend them every time! Great to feel in safe hands.
Thanks guys.read more

Kelly Dale

13:12 14 Sep 18

We have recently used Vaccoda for our new website and highly recommend them. A professional, efficient yet friendly service.

gert nzimiro

15:44 12 Sep 18

Vaccoda have been a great help in designing my start up company website. Great ideas from Rob - excellent execution of service, in addition to constructive communication throughout the process .read more

Chris Hopkins

18:46 28 Jul 18

I don't know where to begin! To cut a long story short, I had a very bad experience with another agency, I approached Vaccoda as they are a local business to me and Rob & the team couldn't have been more helpful. From giving me impartial professional advice to talking to me informally about my experience, he acted professionally and empathetically throughout. I have learnt so much from Rob already and am so excited to start my next project with Vaccoda. If only I went with them in the first place!read more

Martin Ward

15:42 26 Jun 18

The guys at Vaccoda provided an excellent service from start to finish. They cut through all the jargon and technical matters for me and worked seamlessly to provide a superb end product.read more

Amy Heard

18:35 07 Jun 18

Where do I start!!! After an extremely bad experience with another web design agency, having had a website built by them that never worked and no matter what they did to try and fix it, the problems didn’t get resolved I ended up at a point of desperation with a website which didn’t work and email accounts that were never setup properly as well as other issues. They were very quick to take my money but didn’t seem to want to produce a working website or provide me with services that worked and responses to my phone calls and emails were flaky at best. Needing to find another agency to work with I had started talking to other web design companies to try and find someone who would help me sort my mess out and Vaccoda was the last agency on my list to call. This really was a case of saving the best til last because all the other agencies I had spoken to before I called Vaccoda either couldn’t be bothered to really listen or help and basically palmed me off in one way or another so we didn’t really click, so by the time I rung Vaccoda I was feeling completely stressed out and very very fed-up! So, I called Vaccoda and went to see Rob and Matt, and I am so SO glad I contacted them, not only did they give me the patience and understanding I needed, they didn’t make me feel as if I was wasting their time like the other agencies I spoke to made me feel. Vaccoda gave me sound advice which calmed me down and gave me confidence and they helped me at every step of the way to get my website and everything else fixed and take the time to explain things to me in easy to understand words as I’m not technical in the slightest! They fixed my website quickly and got it up and running in a couple of days, yet the other web design company who actually built the website couldn’t seem to fix the many issues after weeks of trying, but Vaccoda fixed it first time round. Rob, Matt and the team absolutely know their stuff and they are very very experienced - this is clear to see and their service is second to none. I’m looking forward to working with Vaccoda long term and give them all my business because they truly deserve it. They are awesome, kind and very professional people! Thank you so much guys!!read more

Harry Benmore

08:41 23 May 18

Rob and his team are a pleasure to deal with. They deliver work fast, always answer the phone when I call, and promptly reply to emails. Even when I ask for changes to be made it is never any bother and Rob clearly explains anything I don't understand. Vaccoda is the perfect example of 'you get what you pay for'.read more

Jess Lines

20:35 18 Apr 18

Rob, Matt and the Vaccoda team are fab! I recently worked with them to revamp my current website and create some marketing materials for my business. From the outset they were so helpful and knowledgeable - they're clearly real experts in what they do and take great pride in their work. They're also extremely responsive to emails and phone calls which is very refreshing. I especially liked that their approach was a nice mix of both style and substance, (ie: marketing materials and websites are beautifully designed and finished... but they're also full of ideas and tips to improve website SEO and functionality).. Thank you Vaccoda!read more

Zac Adam

23:11 07 Mar 18

Vaccoda has provided an excellent service throughout our years of having our website and email management. The service is fast and reliable. Whenever we have hit a problem, Rob @ Vaccoda has never failed to help out and made sure problems are resolved quickly as possible so we can get on with our business. The remote access feature is also helpful which means if we do not know what we are doing, the team can remotely access our devices and sort the issues out immediately. Great Service, will use again and will certainly recommend! Keep up the good work.read more

Joanna Darko

13:40 16 Feb 18

When my client required a new top of the range website and outsourced marketing, I knew that Vaccoda were what was needed.
Having gotten to know Rob, I knew that he and his team would do an amazing job as he is highly knowledgeable, passionate and professional, as such delivering work that is nothing short of excellent.
The guys at Vaccoda are friendly, responsive and highly skilled and as such, I now have 1 have happy client. Thank you Rob and team, very much recommended.read more

John Clifford

14:25 15 Feb 18

We asked Rob and the team to design and build our website, which was a challenging build, and that is one of the best decisions that we have made. The service and support before, during and after the project has been absolutely first class. Responses to enquiries and requests for assistance are immediately actioned, and with a "can do" attitude. Refreshing to deal with such a competent and professional team. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Vaccoda, nor would we go anywhere else.read more

Carol Ann Walters

11:53 15 Feb 18

I've been fortunate enough to work with Vaccoda on a number of SEO and website projects over the past few months. Rob and the team are a pleasure to work with, paying particular attention to detail to get the job done right, first time. They are a super quick, receptive, creative and professional team and come absolutely recommended for anyone who needs five star help on the SEO/website side.read more

David Moynes

07:53 26 Jan 18

Vaccoda produced our website and look after our emails and they are a fantastic team to work with.
Always professional whilst being friendly and are always on hand to help. The website design has exceeded our expectations.
Excellent service, 5 starsread more

Lynda Wright Baccarat Hair Design

15:45 23 Jan 18

Vaccoda are always brilliant to deal with for any graphic design/branding or marketing imagery you need. I have always found them super quick in delivering high-quality ads for our marketing and would highly recommend them to other businesses. Thanks guys!read more

Ben Gidney

13:23 20 Dec 17

We have worked with Rob, Matt and their team at Vaccoda for a number of years on joint projects and have built up a great relationship with them and know them well. Not only are they great at what they do but they are also good people who are approachable, honest and supportive with a genuine care for their client's. It's a joy to work with them. We work closely together and our collaboration has been a huge benefit to our clients who get the best from experts who not only know the industry inside-out but we have been able to confidently steer clients and their projects and help with making decisions that are so crucial to their businesses. We have also worked with a number of other agencies in the past but I have to say none have been as professional, honest and hard working as Vaccoda - they really are outstanding at what they do and know exactly how things should be done. As well as working with Vaccoda I have also learnt from them, professionally-speaking. Their high standards of quality is unsurpassed with well thought-out processes and excellent client management and support, and their knowledge of the industry is inspiring. We fully recommend Vaccoda.read more

Tamara Bugembe

10:14 31 Oct 17

Since Vaccoda developed a new website for my business, I've had tons of compliments and queries of a different calibre. They are definitely experts at what they do.read more

Joe Le Pera

10:54 20 Oct 17

A friend of mine has recommended Vaccoda when i was looking for a local web hosting and managing company. I gave a try and they are Fantastic. Really easy to get in touch they listen your request and action straight away not like many other people they don't even pick up the telephone... I will recommend Vaccoda to all my business friends!!!read more

Blush Academy

16:48 31 Aug 17

There aren't enough words to explain just how grateful I am to the guys at Vaccoda! I had a terrible experience with previous web designers, who left my website in a total mess - The guys at Vaccoda are truly like my 'Knights in shining armour' - they totally rescued my site and it's reputation with Google. I'm so pleased that I've finally found a company that I can trust and look forward to working with them to build my business moving forward - I highly recommend these guys to take care of all of your business marketing and design. Thank you Vaccoda!read more

Louise Gallivan

13:27 18 Aug 17

When looking for a SEO company to boost my websites visibility, I am so pleased I contacted Vaccoda. Rob, Matt and Team have offered me no end of advise with my website, boosted my SEO and explained everything in layman's terms. Having worked with them now for the past 10months, I am very much looking forward to our continued working relationship.... They have just started working on my social media too. 5* team, 5* company, I can not recommend them highly enough!read more

What Hayley Did Next

20:20 24 Jul 17

Perfect clear logo, colour was spot on, communication was quick, and they understood my needs. Would recommend them to anyone who wants professional results. 5 stars from me... Well done Vaccoda.read more

Thomas Gilder

15:49 28 Jun 17

I've been fortunate enough to work with Vaccoda on a number of digital and print projects over the past 12 months. Rob, Dave and the team are a real pleasure to work with - they are highly professional, personable, competitively priced and the team consistently deliver an excellent quality of work, often within tight deadlines and even out of hours. Our projects have ranged from a monthly print magazine, full website build's and event promotions, with audiences from children to adults and a reach that varies from hundreds of people to thousands. Vaccoda have a truly customer-first approach, with excellent service. I would happily recommend to any individual or company with web, design and print projects from across the UK.read more

Arments Pie and Mash

13:00 15 Jun 17

In the 2 years we have been working with Vaccoda they have helped us to raise our website and online presence to an all time high. We have found them to be very professional, skilled, quick and easy to work with. We are very satisfied and highly recommend them.read more

Colin M

11:06 03 Jun 17

Vaccoda is outstanding and other companies could learn a lot from them. The service they provide is faultless and their sense of urgency and willingness to help is commendable. I have used other web design and marketing companies in the past but in one way or another they have fallen short of the mark and left me disappointed and despite me giving a detailed explanation, they haven't really understood my business needs and requirements properly. On the other hand Vaccoda made it so easy for me and they just "got" what I wanted and took into account my wishes first and foremost. They provide our web and email hosting, data backup, web design and search engine optimisation. Since undertaking our SEO we have seen a definite and rapid increase in website visitors and orders, explained to us through informative monthly reports and all the other services they supply to us are equally as excellent. Data backup is very efficient and the hosting is fast with quick loading of our website and emails. Our website looks great and many of our customers have complimented us on it. We look forward to many more years working with Vaccoda, and would wholeheartedly recommend Vaccoda to anyone looking for a full service agency that is well priced, knowledgeable and actually delivers on what they promise.read more

DB Planning

19:02 11 May 17

Rob, Matt and the team were so helpful in their approach to my website, making it as simple as possible for me. Great service, great results, great company to work with.read more

Mag Charles

09:11 08 May 17

We used Vaccoda for the design of our logo, website holding page and prototype of our upcoming digital app (www.spinapp.co.uk). The overall engagement and interaction was managed very professionally and delivery of requirements completed at a much higher level than expected. Although we have previously worked with similar companies before at a much lower cost, the standard and turnaround time of delivery is not comparable to that of Vaccoda. We can truly recommend Rob and his team and hope to work with them again in the near future.read more

Mark Preston - SEO

20:13 23 Apr 17

When I needed a website for my SEO marketing training business, the only place for me to go was Vaccoda. Simply because I have heard so many good things about them on the grapevine and people was always saying positive things about them on the various social media platforms I follow. I must say that when I approached them, I had already put a website brief together so they knew what I wanted. When the site was completed, it was exactly what I wanted. Nice and clean. In fact, it excelled my expectations which does not happen often as I like everything just right. Perfect. It seems that nothing is too much trouble with these guys and they have also sorted all my branding, providing my roller banner, business cards and leaflets which I use at business and digital expos. I contact Vaccoda from time to time with tweak requests to my site and they are completed in rapid time. I cannot fault them with anything. Fantastic customer experience. In fact, they now provide all my email, hosting, site maintenance and security requirements at a very reasonable price. Any business who requires a quality website to represent their brand, I 100% recommend Vaccoda.read more

Laser Quest

18:40 14 Apr 17

Fantastic service and excellent technical knowledge. The team at Vaccoda have exceeded our expectations at every stage of the process.

Aaron Thomas

13:04 04 Mar 17

The service from the guys at Vaccoda is nothing short of exceptional. They recently designed my company logo and website and I couldn't be happier with the results. You can always get hold of someone via email or telephone, the process is explained clearly and the design/website was completed efficiently, with great after sales support if you have any issues and just need some help. I would not hesitate in recommending Vaccoda, 1st class/5 star experience. You can will give yourself a pat on the back for choosing to work with these guys!read more

ian simmons

11:49 09 Feb 17

As a new Start-Up company, you are always wary about the reliability of Services / Products you need to purchase to succeed.
I have a good relationship with Vaccoda Ltd since entrusting the Company to design my Website.
Vaccoda Ltd answers calls and emails in a very efficient and courteous manner will I will be purchasing a media campaign package with Vaccoda Ltd very soon.
I am very confident that my business will become more efficient and profitable with Vaccoda's professionalism.
Thank you Rob and Matt.read more

West Wickham WW NEWS

21:11 08 Feb 17

Taking over a high street hair salon last year in August. I needed to find a local social media expert. So pleased to have met Rob from Vaccoda and look forward working along side each other for a better business future. Thank you so far.read more

Daniel Tannenbaum

14:00 23 Dec 16

Working with Vaccoda has been an absolutely blessing. Rob and Matt are incredibly efficient and the quality of their work and customer service is top notch. The Vaccoda team has really helped us reorganise our online presence and we are privileged to be working with them!read more

Kyla Barnesy

16:28 12 Dec 16

From start to finish - Vaccoda have been amazing! Rob & Matt are incredible with their customers. We have had dealings with them for the past year and will continue to do so. Highly recommended.read more

Chris Fuller

08:33 15 Nov 16

To use an old sporting adage, Vaccoda hit the back of the net every time. Customer service is excellent, their work is prompt and second to none and there is no query to big or to small. 5 star service, 5 star quality and they are a really friendly company which you don't find often anymore. A pleasure to work with and we continue to do soread more

Anais Rose

23:54 13 Oct 16

If there was an option to give Vaccoda 10 stars I'd give them 20!!!!! I could not be happier with the advice, guidance & professionalism I've received before, during & after the build of my new E-commerce website & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the whole team, especially Rob! Thank you for all your hard work guys I'm so happy with the results.... far better than I ever imaginedread more

Little Miss Mop It Up

10:38 23 Sep 16

I was recently stung BADLY by another company and wanted to move away from them completely with my hosting and my SEO campaign. Matt and Rob have been amazing at Vaccoda and from the very first phone call with Matt I was reassured that this company was the right choice. I also researched them and checked out their Google reviews and was amazed and pleased because this is something I failed to do with the other company and their reviews were really bad. So anyway the peace of mind I got on the phone from Matt and the confidence that they have the greatest reviews I have EVER seen assured me that I was making the right choice. Within just 1 week my 4 websites are all live and I have been speaking with Rob about SEO which they make all very straightforwards with an email which explains everything which I found very interesting and learnt things I didn't know before. Emails are answered swiftly and communication is spot on. No ticket numbers sent with ongoing issues like the other company I have come away from (I won't mention any names as not sure if I am allowed to). So my SEO campaign starts on 8th October and I am really looking forward to working with a very professional, upfront and friendly company that are available at end of the phone and at the click of an email. I am so very happy to have found them. No more bad experiences for me anymore and I have absolute confidence that within 6 months or so my 4 websites will be ranking very nicely on google with a server that will host them without them disappearing like the other company had. If you are looking for hosting and SEO then look no further. Pick up the phone and ring today and speak to Matt. They don't finish work at 4pm either, they have still been answering my emails at 6pm weekdays! I don't leave reviews very much and NEVER to this length but I really needed to let others know just how happy I am with the service so far. Nothing is too much of a problem for this company and they will go far!read more

David Soffer

13:46 20 Sep 16

An absolute dream and a pleasure to deal with. Matt and Rob are marvellous to deal with and the work we received for our site has been second to none. Highly recommended!read more

David Lowe

12:43 29 May 16

As Vaccoda already provide their services to Laser Quest GB - the head office / franchisor for Laser Quest in the UK, we got in touch with them to get a new website made for our Glasgow Laser Quest venue. Vaccoda didn't disappoint and produced an outstanding website that is easy to use on all devices and appeals to our customers. We are so happy with our new website that we have already confirmed further development work for our other venues with Vaccoda along with Google marketing campaigns to help build up our visibility in the areas we operate. Top marks to Vaccoda - they certainly know their stuff and we would definitely recommend them.read more

PAUL LIPMAN

12:56 23 Mar 16

From the moment i met Rob his extensive experience and knowledge were evident. He listened to what i wanted, took on board what mattered to me and throughout the process of designing my website he has always been available to guide me and stop me from making mistakes. The result of which is that i have a beautiful, effective site that i am very proud of. I have dealt with many designers over the years and this is the first time I've met someone who truly knows his subject and delivers what he promises.read more

Elaine Nunoo

08:42 24 Nov 14

These guys are fantastic. Built a fantastic website for us. Great service and always available to help. Prompt replies on emails. Love Vaccoda